“Demand for sustainability is growing exponentially in all sectors of the textiles industry. Mr Keohan’s presentation details new technologies, processes and test methods that support that demand,” the company reports.

“Until recently, brands serving all sectors of the textiles industry often had to sacrifice sustainability for repellent finish performance. But a new generation of repellent chemistries and processes has been engineered that improves both performance and environmental impact.”

Repellent finishes

Frank Keohan, Senior Technology Manager at Bolger & O’Hearn, Specialty Chemicals, will discuss this industry breakthrough in a presentation titled Using Advanced Repellent Finishes to Improve Textile Product Sustainability, which takes place on 3 October at the Orange County Convention Center, South Concourse, in Orlando.

Repellent finishes add a number of beneficial properties to fabric including resistance to water, stains and abrasion. In Mr Keohan’s session, attendees will learn the basics behind repellent finishing and be introduced to new technologies that improve sustainability and performance through both the chemistries used and the finishing process.

The talk will include the following topics:

• Defining various levels of repellency
• A review of current repellent chemistries
• Test methods
• How to minimise use of hazardous ingredients
• Co-engineering textile products for both performance and sustainability

Experience

As the Senior Technology Manager at Bolger & O’Hearn, Mr Keohan has led the development of high-performance fabric effects including repellents, odour control agents, and adhesives. He holds a BA-Chemistry from Holy Cross College, an MS-Chemistry from Virginia Tech, and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Mr Keohan has over 30 years of experience in polymer synthesis, applied chemistry, materials science, and textile finishing.

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Expo is regarded as the industrial fabric industry’s flagship show for commerce, networking and knowledge. It attracts around 5,000 industry stakeholders from around the world.

www.bolgerohearn.com